New DSDA IRR to promote liberalization

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Domestic Shipping Development Act (DSDA) were drafted with the view to creating a liberalized shipping environment.

Expected to come out by end-October, the draft IRR has provisions that will address concerns raised by shipowners on the reduction of requirements and additional incentives to allow for new investments, MARINA administrator Vicente T. Suazo, Jr. said in an interview.

“We already got rid of restrictive policies. In other words, MARINA will not be meddling with their businesses anymore,” he said.

Suazo dismissed the possibility of a cartel that would control rates, noting such would be counterproductive since there are other transport modes such as air, which also offer competitive rates.

Also, he said some sectors and agencies, including the Distribution Management Association of the Philippines and the Price Control Council, have committed to helping MARINA monitor shipping operators that abuse the liberalization policy. “We will immediately take charge once it is proven that public interest is not being served,” he stressed.